Why Rec Center Pools Need Regenerative Media Filtration

As a community rec operator, there is a lot on your to-do list, from programming to staffing, and it can be a lot to keep track of. One thing that may not stay at the top of your list is the cost and environmental impact of your facility’s water filtration.

Scott Hyland, the sales director americas for Neptune-Benson/Evoqua, is an expert in commercial water filtration, specializing in competition pools, waterparks, aquariums and other large aquatic facilities. He has more than 20 years of experience providing solutions for recreational water facilities across North, Central and South America.

Below, Hyland shares the benefits of regenerative media filtration (RMF) and why your rec center should consider making the switch today.

What led to the creation of RMF?

Neptune-Benson has been a recognized leader in the commercial aquatics industry since 1956.  In 2003, we recognized the need for a solution to improve water quality, reduce the amount of space required to house equipment, and deliver significant operational savings to pool owners and operators.  RMF technology had been in existence for nearly 100 years.  Neptune-Benson changed the game by developing RMF filters tailored to the needs of the aquatics industry.  These innovative filters were supported with educational outreach on RMF benefits including improved operational efficiency, sustainability and guest safety/satisfaction.

How is the RMF different from traditional filtration?

Traditional sand filtration operates on the premise of depth filtration. The water flows through the bed of sand and the sand captures particulate. When the pressure differential increases by 10 to 12 psi, the flow is reversed and the sand bed is cleaned by sending large volumes of water to waste. RMF filtration operates on the premise of surface filtration. There is approximately 10 times the filter area in an RMF system versus equivalent sand-sized system. The RMF regenerates on a daily basis where the media is redistributed opening up additional filter area. When the pressure differential increases 10 to 12 psi, the media is changed. It takes a longer period of time to build up the pressure differential in RMF because of the regeneration process that takes place on a daily basis, where no water is discharged to waste, resulting in significant operational savings.

What problems can RMF solve? 

RMF can save significant amounts on operational expenses such as water to waste, make-up water, electricity, fuel and chemicals. The mechanical space savings can be substantial — up to a75% reduction in footprint. RMF has the ability to filter down to one micron versus 20 to 30 micron with sand. RMF technology has the ability to capture cryptosporidium and other RWIs.

How would community rec centers benefit from using regenerative media filtration?

Rec centers can recognize the operational savings while at the same time providing patrons with the cleanest and safest water available in aquatics today. The mechanical space savings can be recognized in new construction by reducing the amount of space required or valuable space can be gained by renovating existing sand filters with new RMF technology.

For more information about regenerative media filtration register for Evoqua’s online webinar here.